Tired of being the pillion rider or backseat passenger all your life? Well, that does not have to be your destiny! Today more than ever, female riders are taking to the roads with their own two wheelers and motorcycles, exploring the world just like their male counterparts. If you are bitten by the wanderlust bug and you want to make great memories on long distance trips, here is everything you need to know how to get started.
Pack light, pack smart!
Women over pack! That might be a cliché, but unfortunately it is also the truth. When you are on a long-distance trip, you do not need the additional load of unnecessary clothes and things that are not going to make your life any more comfortable. With a huge luggage on your motorcycle, your mileage is going to dip significantly and you will end up spending a lot on fuel. Also, huge loads make it difficult to handle the motorcycle on difficult terrain. Therefore, always make sure that you pack only the basic necessities that you need, for everything else you can find cheap alternatives at your destination. We recommend motorcycle side luggage box with locks that you can purchase at any bike accessories shop near you. This allows you to leave behind extra clothing and gear on the bike itself and you can carry the essentials with you indoors.
Technology is your friend
It is always a good idea to travel in a group especially when you are riding long distances. That said, you cannot ever depend on anyone else for your own safety. Long distance trips are infamous for getting lost. To avoid that from happening, make sure that you carry a GPS device either inbuilt in your mobile phone or an external device that will help you find your destination without any problem. You will also need additional batteries and power banks to keep your mobile charged so that you can stay in contact with your friends and family even when you are in the wilderness. Finally, you may also decide to invest in a pair of walkie-talkie and connect it to your helmet so that you can stay in contact with other riders in your group without spending money on your mobile phone bill. Bluetooth helmets are also a great idea to stay in contact with your group of riders.
Staying alert will save your life
When you are on the road it is very important that you follow all the safety rules and regulations and keep your eyes and ears open for oncoming traffic both behind you and in front of you. Highways are high speed roads where you can expect every vehicle to run at speeds higher than 100kmph, so the margin of error is very small. Even a few seconds of delay in taking the right decision may become a cause of concern. Always pay attention to the situation around you and stay alert at all times. If you feel tired or sleepy take a small break to rejuvenate yourself, but never be on your motorcycle unless you are 100% alert! If you are going to travel in the middle of summer with a bright sun on top of your head, consider purchasing a safety helmet with double visors which come with an additional sun protection shield that will keep the bright light off your eyes. You can also check out tinted motorcycle goggles for open face helmets.
Care for the motorcycle like your own child!
Before embarking on a long-distance trip make sure that you take a motorcycle for servicing and have all the vital aspects checked for faults. It might be a good idea to replace the brake pads and change all the fluids in your motorcycle. Give your motorcycle a thorough check up before beginning your ride every morning. It is also a good idea to take your motorcycle for maintenance after completing every 500 kilometre on your trip.
In the end, make sure to enjoy your ride and make great memories. Staying safe is all about knowing your limitations as well as that of your bike.